KENNEL TALK

by

Ken M. Blomberg

They’re known as the “dog days” of summer. You know, those hot, humid days of late summer that aren’t fit for man, or beast.

The term “dog days” can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Sirius, the Dog Star, observed during a 40-day period that coincided with sultry heat. Dogs were irritable, hot, hung their tongues out and searched for water. They were considered in those days as evil, possessed by devils and prone to rabies.

Dogs perspire through their tongues, pads of their feet and slightly through pores in their skin. With heavy coats covering their bodies, dogs pant and slobber more during the summer months. Training gun dogs can come to a standstill when temperatures climb to unbearable levels. Not only is it uncomfortable for you and your dog, it can be downright dangerous. Dogs afield succumb from heat stroke every year, yet it’s a preventable calamity.

Under normal conditions, canines maintain a 100 to 101 degree body temperature. Sometimes, due to various conditions like exercise, room temperature, or excitement, a dog’s temperatures may go up to 102 without cause for alarm. But temperatures over 102 degrees should be considered abnormal.

Heat stroke signs include staggering, excessive panting, and gasping and dilated pupils. Later stages include a blue tongue. A dog that is showing these signs is in need of immediate attention. Under these conditions, body temperatures can rise to 106 degrees or more and cooling down is imperative. Get the dog to water, or better yet, soak the animal with cool, wet towels, allowing the heat to disperse slowly. In the field, soaking your clothing in a stream, or pond may work. If available, apply ice packs to the head area. Finally, get your dog to a vet for further treatment as soon as possible.

Preventing heat stroke while training gun dogs can be accomplished by timing your activities during the cool hours of early morning and late evening. If you must work your dog during the mid-day’s heat, do it near a body of water, or better yet, in the water. Water work (retrieving) is great conditioning exercise and helps to maintain normal body temperatures.

The hunting season is rapidly approaching. With the season beginning next month, are you ready? Is your dog ready? All too often, you're both out of shape, due to the lazy days of summer that passed us by, with no time to physically prepare for strenuous autumn hunts. I'm not here to give you medical advice. Heaven knows, I'm not in a position to do that. But what I can share, are a few tips for your canine companions that are out of shape, both physically and mentally.

Opening day weather can be summer-like, with hot temperatures and high humidity. This can be a deadly combination for any dog, but especially one that's not conditioned. Watch your dogs closely during those warm, early season hunts. Dogs require proportionally more air than humans for breathing, especially during a workout.

Avoid keeping your dog for extended periods in confined space without proper ventilation when afield. That, and the excitement of the hunt, can be a lethal combination. A few years back, a client of mine lost a young dog left behind in its dog box. The SUV was shut tight and the hyperactive pup died before his master returned to the vehicle.

Assuming cooler weather on opening day, what other problems can be prevented, after a long, hot summer of inactivity? First of all, avoid hunting with a large group of other hunters and dogs. Split up into small groups and hunt separate areas. Nothing can ruin a pleasant afternoon in the uplands more than a dogfight, competition between two aggressive dogs, or worst of all, a female dog coming in, or out of heat. For the past thirty years, our opening day group has included up to six hunters and their dogs, yet we never exceed two, or three hunters and two dogs per "covert".

What about the dog that responded last year to our every command, but suddenly decides to hunt by himself? I recommend carrying a twenty foot check cord for quick refresher courses in obedience. Let them drag the short cord through the woods when you resume hunting. You'd be surprised how much better they listen with it dragging behind them. And the short length, with no knots, shouldn't tangle in the woods.

As the season progresses, you should notice a change in your dog's stamina and endurance. This is good, but make sure their diet changes to meet the nutritional needs of an active dog. A maintenance diet may be fine for the "dog days" of summer, but in the fall, change their ration to something like Purina's High Pro, or a premium dog food with a formula designed for working dogs.

Whenever possible, carry water afield for you and your dog. Biker water bottles carry well in game bags and may be needed in areas far from a water source. A small first aid kit and dog treats can easily fit in front vest pockets and may come in handy.

Enjoy your bird dog and have a great fall hunting season!